This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 7/29/2012
George Halas was about as frugal as they came. To get the old man to spring for anything was a major shocker.
Well Papa Bear was in a joyous mood following the team's 1963 championship. Many had wondered (quietly of course) if the game of football had passed up one of the sport's founding fathers. Halas dispelled any of those rumors as he steered his team in the right direction in '63. Everything culminated in a 14-10 hard fought gridiron triumph over the New York Giants at Wrigley Field in the championship game. It would be the final title for Halas.
This 17" football trophy, built into a wood base, was given by Halas to team doctor Dr. Ladislaus L. Braun for his yeoman's work. Braun also did work for the Chicago Cubs during his career.
The historic relic has a wonderful patina with some spotting at the top tip and bottom tip. Names of each player are engraved on the football. They include: "Bill Wade Rudy Bukich Richie Petitbon Dave Whitsell Roosevelt Taylor J.C. Caroline Bennie McRae Willie Galimore Ron Bull Joe Fortunato Larry Morris Joe Marconi Rick Casares Larry Glueck Angelo Coia Johnny Morris Charles Bivins Mike Pyle Roger Davis Bill George Tom Bettis Bob Wetoska Ted Karras Herman Lee Earl Leggett Jim Cadile Steve Barnett Bob Kilcullen John Johnson Stan Jones Bob Jencks Doug Atkins Roger LeClerc John Farrington Bobby Joe Green Mike Ditka Mike Rabold Tommy Neck Fred Williams Bill Martell Val Keckin Maury Youmans Ed O'Bradovich Billy Martin George Halas Luke Johnson Phil Handler George Allen Chuck Mather Paddy Driscoll Jim Dooley Ed Rozy Joe Stydaar."
A placard fits into the front which has this engraved: "To R. L.L. Braun With Sincere Appreciation From Your 1963 World Champions The Chicago Bears."
We have never encountered a similar type of trophy which we doubt was given to the players. This hales from the estate of Braun, who died in 1995. The cherry on top is a certificate for graduation from Halas University. The diploma bestows Braun with the honorary degree of "Bachelor of Professional Football" for dedication and loyalty to the Chicago Bears. There are facsimile signatures of George Halas and junior as well. Framed, this measures about 15" x 12".
Overall, the finest Bears championship trophy of them all. One
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